Anti-skid device for boots and shoes

ABSTRACT

An anti-skid cleat for the toe of a shoe or boot. The cleat is attached to the shoe or boot by means of a crossed pair of straps in an X-shaped configuration which are connected to an akle band by means of a strap connected to the cross points of the X shape.

United States Patent 1191 Johnson Dec. 11, 1973 [54] ANTI-SKID DEVICE FOR BOOTS AND 2,932,096 4/1960 Tavormina 36/71) SHOES 3,019,533 2/1962 Smith 36/7.6

[76] Inventor: Gladys M. Johnson, 1251 S. 35th Milwaukee, 33215 Primary Examiner-Patrick D. Lawson 1 Att0rneylrw1n Alter et al- [21] Appl. No.: 328,790

[57] ABSTRACT [52] US. Cl. 36/7.7 I

An anti skid cleat for the toe of a shoe or boot The Fleld of Search R, cleat is attached to the shoe or boot means of a 36/67 R crossed pair of straps in an X-shaped configuration which are connected to an akle band by means of a [56] References cued strap connected to the cross points of the X shape.

UNITED STATES PATENTS 12/1954 Millard 36/7.7

4 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures ANTI-SKID DEVICE FOR BOOTS AND SHOES My invention relates to an anti-skid device that may be easily applied to or removed from any conventional type of boot or shoes.

Very often, it is difficult for a person to walk on glace ice because he does not have enough traction between the sole of his shoe or boot and the surface of the ice. To overcome this problem, there have been many suggestions for attaching temporary cleats to the sole or bottom of a shoe or boot. However, they have not proved satisfactory, primarily for two reasons. First, the toe of a boot has a generally tapered shape so that the toe straps tend to slip off. Second, pivoting on the toe during normal walking places severe strain on the attachment means. Therefore, this tends to work the cleat loose from the toe. Third, prior cleats have tended to require great patience during the attachment or removal from the feet.

Accordingly, there is a need for a cleat which is secure when anchored and which does not pivot relative to the toe.

An object of my invention is to provide a device that is designed to securely retain cleats or spikes in a fixed position on the sole toe portion of a boot or shoe.

Another object of my invention is to provide a device of the character described that is retained in place by a single strap attached to a band which is to be applied to the ankle of the user.

- An advantage of my invention is thatthe cleats or spikes are positioned and retained on that portion of the sole of the boot or shoe that ismost likely to come into direct contact with the slippery surface on which the user may walk. This is especially valuable when precipitation or temperature changes cause a moisture to form on the surface of snow or ice. Then the pavement or walk becomes particularly slippery and hazardous for the person walking thereon. Thus, the device illustrated, described, and claimed herein, provides an eco- Other and further objects of my invention will become more apparent as the description proceeds, when taken in conjunction with the drawings in which FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the device constituting my invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the device applied to a conventional shoe which is outlined in phantom;

F IG. 3 is a bottom view of the assembled device; and

FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the device.

Similar reference characters indicate corresponding parts and features throughout the several views. More particularly, a plate 10 may be constructed of leather or the like and equipped with a plurality of dependent studs 11, preferably constructed of metal. The studs may be of any convenient design.

There are a pair of crossed strap sections having a generally X-shaped configuration, identified as 12 and 12. The ends of the straps are attached to plate 10 in a spaced-apart relationship. At the center of the X- shape the straps are attached together by any suitable means. The wearer thus has the device held in engagement with his shoe with the studs 11 (See FIG. 4) dependent from the sole of his foot.

The straps 12 and 12 being pliable, and of one piece construction, extend upwardly somewhat spirally. Their upper ends are attached to a single strap member 14, by means of rivets 15 (See FIGS. 1 and 2), or they may be sewed together. In this manner, they surround the toe portion of the shoe 16, as shown in phantom in FIG. 2.

The single strap 14 is attached by rivet or by sewing to a circular ankle band 17 at 18. The band 17 is equipped with a buckle 19 to permit it to be placed on the person wearing the unit.

From the above description, it will be come apparent that the device is designed to retain the studs 11 in position at the bottom of the shoe sole in alignment with the toe portion of the shoe. The ankle band 17 may be easily applied to hold the device on the shoe, thereby retaining the studs 11 in a permanent position for their performance.

Although I have shown a specific construction and arrangement of the parts and features constituting my invention, various changes may be made without affecting the operativeness of the device. Therefore, the appended claims should be construed to cover all equivalents which do not depart from the spirit of the scope of my invention.

I claim:

1. An anti-skid boot attachment comprising a plate having studs dependent therefrom, a pair of crossed straps having an X-shaped configuration and a size and shape to fit over the toe of a boot, an elongated strap attached to the crossed part of the X-shape, and an ankle strap attached to said elongated strap.

2. The attachment of claim 1 wherein said elongated strap is of a length which extends from the toes to the ankle of a wearer.

3. The attachment of claim 2 wherein the plate is pliable.

4. The attachment of claim 3 wherein said plate has a generally rectangular shape and the ends of said X- shaped strap are attached in spaced relation to the corners of said plate. 

1. An anti-skid boot attachment comprising a plate having studs dependent therefrom, a pair of crossed straps having an X-shaped configuration and a size and shape to fit over the toe of a boot, an elongated strap attached to the crossed part of the X-shape, and an ankle strap attached to said elongated strap.
 2. The attachment of claim 1 wherein said elongated strap is of a length which extends from the toes to the ankle of a wearer.
 3. The attachment of claim 2 wherein the plate is pliable.
 4. The attachment of claim 3 wherein said plate has a generally rectangular shape and the ends of said X-shaped strap are attached in spaced relation to the corners of said plate. 